On the afternoon of July 26th, the 29th China-South Korea Youth Martial Arts Culture Exchange Conference was held in the Academic Exchange Center at Jianghan University. 45 teachers and students from South Korea, Hungary, Cambodia, Brazil, and Hong Kong, Chia embarked on a Wushu cultural exchange journey rich in Chinese characteristics. Among the attendees were An Rongji, Deputy Consul General of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Wuhan, Lee Jong-hyuk, Director of the Overseas Trade Office of Cheongju, South Korea, Kang Jonghan, representative of South Korea International Youth Martial Arts Cultural Exchange Association, Li Jun, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Wuhan Municipal People's Government, Li Weidong, Vice President of Jianghan University, as well as key personnel of relevant departments and schools from Jianghan University and representatives of Chinese and foreign teachers and students.
In his speech, Li Jun highlighted the significance of China-South Korea Youth Martial Arts Culture Exchange Conference, which has turned into a branded event for youth exchanges between the two countries since its close connection with Wuhan in 2014. He shared Wuhan's vision to build a bridge of friendship for humanistic exchanges and mutual learning among civilizayion, by seizing the opportunity of the conference. Moreover, he expressed his sincere wishes for the young people from Wuhan's international sister cities, who would cherish their unique Wuhan memories, support each other, and promote the friendship between China and South Korea.
AnRongji and Kang Jonghan commeded the outstanding achievement made in the fileds of youth exchanges between China and South Korea. By taking part in the conference, young people from China and South Korea not only built close bonds but also better understood the profound historial and cultural deposits through the medium of martial arts, thereby vigorously promoting cultural exchanges and mutual learning between the two sides.
In his speech, Li Weidong officially declared the opening of the conference and elaborated on Jianghan University's mission and visionin nurturing international talent. He emphasized that JianghanUniversity embraces the Silk Road spirit of "peace, cooperation,openness, inclusiveness, mutual learning, and mutual benefit," and is dedicated to building a platform for teachers and students to learn from and exchange with each other, aiming to promote opening-up and connectivity among people, and contribute to the development of high-level urban universities and first-class disciplines. He encouraged teachers and students from both China and abroad to communicate across borders, cultural and language barriers, and to continuously broaden their international horizons. He believed that such exchanges would showcase the youthful vitality and good demeanor of the adolescents, strengthening the friendship between China and South Korea.
Wonderful martial arts and artistic performances were presented at the conference. The Korean delegation showcased programs such as aikido, taekwondo, Korean dances, and K-POP dances, demonstrating the martial spirit and artistic charm of Korean youth through a blend of strength and flexibility. In addition, students from Wuhan No. 39 Middle School performed "Students of Xiaochun", a perfect fusion of traditional opera and dance art, expressing students embarking on journeys with beautiful aspirations for future life. Jianghan University's opening performance, "Dragon Fist", combined traditional dragon dance with modern combat routines. It not only reflected a profound cultural heritage and the cohesive force of solidarity, but also displayed the strength and beauty of young students. The grand finale, "Jiangda Dragon", a clever integration of tai chi, pop dance and rap, successfully expressed the beauty of Chinese culture, the charm of Jianghan University, as well as young teachers and students' deep affection for Jianghan Uniersity
As an integral part of the "2024 Wuhan International Sister City Youth Exchange Week" the 29th China-South Korea Youth Martial Arts Cultural Exchange Conference is another international exchange event hosted by Jianghan University. The event aims to enable teachers and students from Wuhan's international sister cities to understand the profoundness of Chinese Wushu culture, foster harmony and integration between Chinese and foreign cultures with their love and respect for Wushu, inherit and spread this valuable cultural and spirital wealth.